Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths said Mark McCall is “totally committed” to the club after signing a new two-year deal and that there had been no contact from the IRFU with regard to the Ulsterman succeeding Declan Kidney whose contract was terminated by the union yesterday.

“It is completely understandable that when jobs like this come up that Mark’s name is mentioned because he is one of the most successful coaches in Europe.

“However, just like the rest of our coaching staff, Mark recently signed a two-year extension and he remains totally committed to what we are doing at the club. We have not had any contact from the Irish RFU and our sole focus is the game with Ulster on Saturday.”

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea reiterated his desire to honour his contract with the London club and ruled out taking over the Ireland coaching position.

O’Shea told the Evening Standard: “Absolutely not. I am contracted to Harlequins until the end of the 2013-14 season. I will be honouring that commitment and, hopefully, continuing beyond it. Of course with the fixtures this weekend there are lots of questions but I’ve made my position very clear.”